Seven people are arrested as police break up ‘traveller funeral’ mass gathering that breached Tier 3 lockdown rules at east London pub
- Crowds of ‘hundreds’ descended on a pub in Hackney Wick, east London tonight
- Metropolitan Police arrested seven amid breaches of Covid-19 lockdown rules
- Witnesses suggested those in attendance may be from the traveller community
Seven people were tonight arrested after crowds of ‘hundreds’ descended on an east London pub to ‘drink together’ in breach of Tier 3 lockdown rules.
Footage from Hackney Wick captured officers as they attempted to break up the gathering and ‘encourage people to disperse’ in line with coronavirus rules in the capital.
Another clip filmed near Hackney Wick Station shows officers as they form a blockade to prevent gathering crowds from passing through.
But moments later, dozens of men are seen pushing past the officers and running further into the otherwise deserted neighbourhood.
Seven people were tonight arrested after crowds of ‘hundreds’ descended on an east London pub to ‘drink together’ in breach of Tier 3 lockdown rules. Pictured: Hackney Wick tonight
The Metropolitan Police confirmed seven people were arrested for offences under the health protection regulations following the gathering tonight.
Witnesses have suggested the group may have been travellers from nearby Wallis Road, with one saying on Twitter the meeting looked to be a wake.
One onlooker said: ‘Current situation at Hackney Wick. Hundreds of people meeting up and drinking together and police forces getting ready to break the illegal gathering!’
Another added: ‘Serious scenes in Hackney Wick tonight’.
Chief Superintendent Karen Findlay said: ‘Really disappointing this is happening given many Londoners are all doing their bit to help communities stay safe.
‘Metropolitan Police will continue to try to explain and encourage compliance with the regulations but enforcement action shouldn’t have to be taken.’
Footage from Hackney Wick captured officers as they attempted to break up the gathering and ‘encourage them to disperse’ in line with coronavirus rules in the capital. Pictured: Police in east London
The Metropolitan Police confirmed seven people were arrested for offences under the health protection regulations following the gathering tonight. Pictured: The scene tonight
Witnesses have suggested the group may have been travellers from nearby Wallis Road, with one saying on Twitter the meeting looked to be a wake
A Metropolitan Police spokesman added: ‘Officers attended White Post Lane, E9 this evening after a large group of people gathered at a pub.
‘Officers engaged with those present to encourage them to disperse, in line with current Coronavirus legislation.
‘Seven people have been arrested for offences under the health protection regulations. No reports of any injuries.’
It comes as London was plunged under tough Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions this week, with pubs and restaurants closed across the capital during what is typically their busiest time of the year.